Part-Time Faculty

"It is the best feeling in the world to see and hear the communication transformation in a student from the first day to the last. Anthony Robbins once said, 'Skill in the art of communication is crucial to a leader's success. He can accomplish nothing unless he can communicate effectively.' Being involved in a student's journey from the first class day, when a student is too afraid to even say their name - to volunteering first for their last speech, is amazing satisfaction as a teacher." - Vanessa Alanis, Part Time Instructor for the Department of Communication

Paola Albarran, M.A., West Texas A&M University, Office FAC 113

"There is nothing better than waking up early in the morning and driving to Canyon, knowing that I can be part of a student's life and make a difference in their journey. I have always enjoyed learning and I strive to give my students that same enjoyment from learning. Passion is a key ingredient to life... Let's be proud to be Buffs!!" - Paola Duarte-Marin Albarran, News Anchor/Reporter/ Producer at Telemundo Amarillo

Mona Gregory, M.A., West Texas A&M University (Online Instructor)

"I love to learn and perhaps I learn the most when I teach. It is so fun to engage students and to see them explore knowledge and apply it. I hope that at the end of the day...or class, my students are thinking...and not about homework or grades!"

Martin Lopez, M.A., West Texas A&M University, Office OLD SUB 112D

"It's a real joy to teach an overview of communications to our WTAMU students and to help them discover the tools to become effective public speakers. I love helping them understand how communications impacts their daily lives and their personal and work relationships." - Martin Lopez, Executive Director of Special Programs

Cassie Montgomery, M.A., West Texas A&M University, Office FAC 112:

"I remember learning how to navigate throughout the university as an incoming student and I felt confused and unsure of myself at times. I also remember relating to a few of my professors during my first semester as a freshman, and how comfortable I became in the grand scheme of things because I was able to trust these instructors and could learn much more than what the text book conveyed. It is my goal now as a professor to be one that is relatable, trustworthy, and approachable to those who are looking to find where they belong, so that they don't give up on their precious education."

Steve Myers, M.A., West Texas A&M University, Office FAC 261:

"It's a real honor to be able to pass on some of what I have learned after almost 30 years in broadcasting. The students are always inquisitive and insightful, and that really helps us connect in the classroom. It's been such a rush being able to teach at my Alma mater, and makes me feel even more of a part of the traditions at West Texas A&M University."

Victoria Salas, M.A., West Texas A&M University, Office KRC 159a

"I have come full circle! I am a WTAMU alumni and being able to teach students here is an amazing experience. I love seeing their excitement and enjoy their sense of adventure as they experience college life for the first time. What a gift to be part of their journey as a college student." - Victoria Salas, McNair Program Academic Coordinator

"Today Mass Communication is pervasive. It's a discipline so obvious sometimes it's easy to miss. So it's all the more important to listen and watch and hear and see what's being communicated. This is our collective voice. This is our story." - Larry Lemmons, Part Time Instructor for the Department of Communication

Tana Miller, M.A. West Texas A&M University, Office OM 103B

"I am a product of West Texas A&M University and, after being on campus for over 30 years, I still love being a part of the University community. I really enjoy getting the opportunity to work with students in a classroom setting versus just in my role as Registrar. It allows me to use the combination of my undergraduate degree in education and my masters in communication to help students, especially freshmen, navigate their higher education experience and to get to know students in a different way from what I do in my regular office setting."

Brittani Sena, M.A., West Texas A&M University, Office FAC 113

"Through the years I have learned that there is so much more to teaching than standing and presenting in front of the class. Teaching is more about building the relationships, engaging learning, encouraging others to succeed, and along the way learning more about yourself and life. I really enjoy to learn new things and my hope is that some of that enjoyment for learning rubs off on my students. I am excited to be able to teach communication and am always looking forward to seeing how I can influence a transformation in students to become better communicators."

Laurel Vartabedian, PhD, University of Oklahoma, Office, FAC 112

"As a teacher, I think of myself as both a guide and participant in a journey that is creative, that conects ideas, and that reinforces common goals. I've enjoyed collaborating in that journey with my students at WTAMU!" - Laurel Vartabedian, Associate Professor, Department of Communication

Lacy Venhaus, M.A. West Texas A&M University, Office FAC 113

"It is an honor for me to teach for the University where I fell in love with the communication world. I enjoy seeing students think about things in a new way or do something they didn’t think that they could. I hope to help students polish skills that will help them in their future in so many ways."